How Music Heals Us
- Kim Cannan
- May 14
- 2 min read
BEYOND THE SOUND SPECTRUM
THE VIBRATIONS YOU CANNOT HEAR
Audible sound has been found to move matter and change the structure of small particles. This was evident as early as 1787 when German Physicist and Musician Ernst Chladni, published his groundbreaking book Discoveries in the Theory of Sound.[1]
Inaudible sounds can affect health and wellbeing. It is difficult to detect sonic stressors in the human environment when they are inaudible. Sounds that are beyond human hearing are Ultrasound and Infrasound, the latter sometimes being heard (or felt) by animals. Humans are known to be able to perceive infrasound as well. I discuss these affects in more detail in Chapter 6, How We Hear. [2]
The Solar Winds, pictured below, produce infrasound that is inaudible to humans. However, many have reported "hearing" the sound of the winds on a clear night.
UBIQUITOUS FREQUENCIES
In the 21st Century, humans are bombarded within electro-magnetic fields or, EMF’s. [3]
These fields are present everywhere in our environment. Adverse health impacts have been noted through over-exposure to EMF’s, especially on people who are hypersensitive! Humans are predominantly exposed to EMF frequencies through our devices that we have come to depend on. Switching them off and spending time in natural environments such as the seaside, forest, park or wilderness areas will help to bring balance to the Central Nervous System (CNS). [4]
SONG OF THE FOUR WINDS
This piece was created to capture frequencies that the wind produced by weaving in and around my harp. It is a pure and natural sound and produces breathy, thought-provoking tones.
Song of the Four Winds has a free flow and is perfect for slow, box-breathing and deep meditation. The harp played and unplayed is the feature in this musical piece.
Click on the link and drift into a peaceful mood.
Consider setting aside a few moments to breathe deeply. In the last pages of my book "How Music Heals Us.." I have written instructions for effective breathing techniques to help bring the Central Nervous System into balance. This is particularly helpful when the body is showing signs of reacting to daily stresses. The depths and rhythms of our breathing cycle tell a truthful story!
I'd love to hear your thoughts and invite you to leave a comment below.
REFERENCES
[1] Chladni published his book on acoustic phenomena after experimenting with sand and vibrations on steel plates, now known as the Chladni Plates. He watched intricate patterns form after striking the plates with a violin bow, producing a vibrational tone.
[3] Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, often called radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical power.
[4] Chronic stressors, including loud noise and unpleasant industrial sound can tip the balance of our CNS into Sympathetic Nervous System engagement. Our response is fight, flight or freeze.
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